Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” I have found it hard to run, walk and crawl this year, nevertheless, I am continuing to move forward. As mathematics leaders, we have moments and situations that make it hard to stay focus on our true purpose and passion in education; still, we know what we have to do to continue moving mathematics education forward. No matter how difficult the task or situation may be, I encourage you to continue supporting, sustaining, and inspiring high quality mathematics teaching and learning every day for each and every learner.
Meaningful and ongoing professional learning help us in persevering and leading more effectively. Many excellent virtual opportunities for professional learning were offered in the Southern 1 region this past fall. I hope you were able to participate in some of them.
Please let me know the events, dates, and locations of these opportunities in your states. I can make sure they are posted on the NCSM website. There are still more opportunities for professional learning in Southern Region 1 during the spring of 2021. Some of them are:
- Georgia Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (GCSM) Winter Virtual Conference January 28-January 29 (http://gcsmonline.org/event-4088655/Registration)
- Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (VCTM) Virtual Conference March 13 (http://vctm.org/)
- South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (SCCTM) Virtual Events–Staying Connected: Conversations with Teachers of Mathematics, February 9 (http://www.scctm.org/page-1822195)
Please let me know if I can help you in any way as your NCSM Regional Director. Take advantage of the opportunities for professional learning in your state or neighboring states in the spring. I hope to connect with you soon.
I wish you the best and appreciate your role in ensuring highly-quality mathematics teaching and learning for each and every student. Please continue to stay safe and take care of yourself. I encourage you to reflect purposefully, get involved, set realistic goals, stay active and connected, laugh often and continue moving forward!
-Bernard